Due to the media escalation that accompanied the unprofessional coverage by some satellite channels of al-Hawija developments on April 23-24, 2013;

And due to its ethical and professional responsibilities to maintain the value and national pattern of the social system in Iraq and ward off the dangers of convulsive and undisciplined media message, which exceeded all professional limits and levels to be observed by broadcasters;

The CMC believes that the speech and content of the coverage of Baghdad, al-Sharqiya, al-Sharqiya News, Babiliya, Salahuddin, Anwar 2, Taghyeer, Fallujah, al-Jazeera, and al-Gharbiya satellite channels constitutes an incitement and escalation that is closer to misleading, intimidation, and exaggeration than it is to objectivity for the clear calls for disorder and launching retaliatory criminal attacks against security forces, and the explicit promotion for constitutionally and legally banned terrorist organizations which committed crimes against the Iraqi people.

CMC considers such acts by the aforementioned stations a clear violation of codes of professional conduct and broadcasting provisions that govern the work of media in Iraq.

Based on the above, and following a series of amicable and professional dialogues and meetings with some media stations that aimed at giving them a chance to correct their media discourse, and following a pledge signed by them to abide by professional broadcasting codes and regulations, the CMC - in accordance with its powers entrusted by Order (65) of 2004 in force - had to suspend these stations' licenses and all their operations and activities on the Iraqi territory after the repeated violations and escalation in the sectarian tone by these outlets. CMC has contacted the Ministry of Interior and Operation Commands in all Iraqi provinces to take the necessary legal procedures against these stations should they try to work without the Commission's approvals.

Finally, CMC reasserts that media organizations have to recognize the fact that freedom of expression remains restricted where required by law, as specifically set out in Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which stipulates that "Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law".